Appletree Zapple Foildrive Inset Board
Its finally here - The first production inset board designed for Foildrive users! Appletree were in the UK with a prototype back in October 2024 and we managed to nab a go and can vouch for everything written below. An awesome add on for your Foildrive system to make getting going, touching down and all around riding easier, simpler and last longer.
From Appletree:
Recessed layout for optimal performance
The Zapple’s recessed layout and streamlined design have been purpose-built to minimize water turbulence and drag whilst increasing control and responsiveness. With the battery weight positioned closer to your feet, the Zapple feels incredibly balanced, allowing you to focus on enjoying the ride.
Key Features & Benefits
- Drag Reduction: The sleek design minimizes surface area, significantly cutting down drag for a smoother, more efficient ride.
- Enhanced Control: By positioning the battery closer to your feet, the added weight feels almost unnoticeable. Providing better balance and making turns more intuitive. No more struggling with the weight of the battery pulling outwards when doing turns.
- Effortless Surface Skipping: When motoring back to the lineup, the board can skim across the water without the battery box causing drag. Allowing for smoother rides and higher prop placement on the mast.
- Improved Foiling Dynamics: The reduced likelihood of the prop hitting the water improves flow during non-motorized foiling, giving you the best chance at smooth glides and long rides.
- Extended Battery Life: Less drag means better efficiency, so you can foil longer on a single charge—more time on the water, less time recharging.
Signal Optimization: No More Interruptions
The Zapple addresses one of the most common challenges: signal interruptions caused by water and carbon fiber. By incorporating a specialized “signal window” in the board’s nose, we’ve ensured uninterrupted performance. The Foil Drive antenna aligns perfectly with the track, and with proper foam packing, signal issues become a thing of the past. Even in demanding environments, the Zapple delivers consistent and reliable signal strength.
Precision Engineering
Crafted using our unique vacuum infusion technology, the Zapple combines durability with complex, precision-built shapes. Rigorous testing with our 2024 midlength prone boards revealed the best starting points for the Zapple’s design, culminating in a recessed layout that reduces water turbulence and enhances overall performance.
Easy battery replacement
Ensuring the trench is fully compatible with the Foil Drive battery was an obvious choice, as it eliminates voids that cause drag and drain battery energy. To add convenience, the Foil Drive team has developed special barrel bolts, making battery replacement as straightforward as on a board without a trench. Easy and seamless.
Size Options for Every Rider
The Zapple is available in three versatile sizes: 38L, 46L, and 54L. The added power of the Foil Drive means you can opt for a smaller board without sacrificing performance. However, the larger sizes are ideal for riders who value ease of getting up in flats or need extra security during long-distance downwinders. The midlength model’s unique design ensures that the added volume feels natural and unintrusive, allowing for an unmatched foiling experience.
Tested and Perfected
Every aspect of the Zapple has been thoroughly tested in collaboration with the Foil Drive team. From the layup to the foil box positioning, this board represents the pinnacle of design and functionality. With its precision engineering, optimized features, and great performance, the Zapple is set to revolutionize the assisted ride.
About Appletree
What started in a shed on an apple tree farm in the Netherlands by two brothers has now become the leading brand for kite surf boards and foil boards. They have expanded and built a dedicated production facility in Portugal. Their secret is their proprietary 50k closed cell foam which they use in all their boards. This is light, flexible, durable and waterproof. Together with their hex skin glass or carbon finish, it makes for a bombproof board.